About Sights – The Medieval Stone Bridges of Ajara

By the Middle Ages, Ajara (Georgian: აჭარა), in the south western part of Georgia, formed part of a strong feudal kingdom and many roads and stone bridges were built during this period. The beauty of Ajara’s medieval stone bridges makes them as significant as the mighty fortresses, monuments, and churches that are also spread around this historical region, making them a “must-see” during any visit.

Dandalo Bridge in Keda District of Ajara is situated in the village of Dandalo, near the Batumi-Khulo highway. Built of volcanic stone and lime in the IX-X Century, the bridge is distinguished by its thin arch and perfect proportions. Coordinates: 41.646658/42.107911

Dandalo Bridge in Keda District of Ajara

Dandalo Bridge in Keda District of Ajara

Dandalo Bridge in Keda District of Ajara

Makhuntseti Bridge in Keda District of Ajara is situated in the village of Makhuntseti, 54 km from the Batumi-Khulo highway. The bridge is built of volcanic stone and lime and is 19.5 meters long. Coordinates: 41.571172/41.860186

Makhuntseti Bridge in Keda District of Ajara

Makhuntseti Bridge in Keda District of Ajara

Makho Bridge in Khelvachauri District in Ajara is built over the River Makhostskali, in the village of Makho. The bridge has an oval shape that makes its design differerent from Dandalo Bridge, which has a sloped arch. Coordinates: 41.563861/41.671361

Makho Bridge in Khelvachauri District of Ajara

Makho Bridge in Khelvachauri District of Ajara

Tskhemlara Bridge in Khelvachauri District of Ajara is built over the River Machakhela in the village of Tskhemlara, 7-8 km from the village of Acharistrkali, which is situated along the Batumi-Khulo highway. Its half-oval design is quite narrow and it was used as a footbridge. Coordinates: 41.510306/41.820722

Tskhemlara Bridge in Khelvachauri District of Ajara

Tskhemlara Bridge in Khelvachauri District of Ajara

Chkheri Stone Bridge in Khelvachauri District of Ajara was built over the River Chkheristskali in the village of Upper Chkhutuneti (Kakhieti) in the IX-X Century. The bridge span is 5.7 meters. Coordinates: 41.479833/41.861778

Chkheri Stone Bridge in Khelvachauri District of Ajara

Varjanauli Bridge in Kobuleti District of Ajara is situated in the village of Tkemakaravi. Coordinates: 41.7885/41.96125

Varjanauli Bridge in Kobuleti District of Ajara

Varjanauli Bridge in Kobuleti District of Ajara

Furtio Arch Bridge in Shuakhevi District of Ajara is situated in the village of Furtio at the beginning of Acharistskali Valley. Built in the XI-XII century, the bridge used to connect the Skhaltistskali and Acharistskali valleys, and was part of the shortest route from Ardagan and Akhaltsikhe to the Black Sea coastline. Coordinates: 41.621478/42.263758

Furtio Arch Bridge in Shuakhevi District of Ajara

Sagoreti Arch Bridge in Keda District of Ajara is situated in the village of Sagoreti on the right tributary of the river Agaristskali. Built in the XI-XII century, the bridge is 16 meters long and 2.6 meters wide. Coordinates: 41.593117/41.883331

Sagoreti Arch Bridge in Keda District of Ajara

Mirveti Bridge in Khelvachauri District of Ajara is situated in the village of Mirveti and was built in the IX-X century. Coordinates 41.530028/41.830778

Mirveti Bridge in Khelvachauri District of Ajara

Mirveti Bridge in Khelvachauri District of Ajara

Qoqoleti Bridge in Khelvachauri District of Ajara is built over the Machakhela River in the village of Qoqoleti. Coordinates: 41.49943355151715/41.85715913772583

Qoqoleti Bridge in Khelvachauri District of Ajara

Qoqoleti Bridge in Khelvachauri District of Ajara

Qoqoleti Bridge in Khelvachauri District of Ajara

Tskhemvani Bridge in Kobuleti District of Ajara is situated in the village of Kobalauri. Coordinates: 41.7621/41.9767

Tskhemvani Bridge in Kobuleti District of Ajara

Tskhemvani Bridge in Kobuleti District of Ajara

Uchkho Stone Bridge in Khulo District of Ajara is situated in the village of Uchkho and dates to the XI century. Coordinates: 41.679431/42.314647

Uchkho Stone Bridge in Khulo District of Ajara

Tsoniarisi (Jaimela) Bridge in Keda District of Ajara is situated in the village of Tsoniarisi and dates to the IX-X century. Coordinates: 41.657/42.018394

Tsoniarisi (Jaimela) Bridge in Keda District of Ajara

Tsoniarisi (Jaimela) Bridge in Keda District of Ajara

Tskhmorisi Bridge in Keda District of Ajara is situated in the village of Tskhmorisi. Coordinates: 41.646181/42.048833

Tskhmorisi Bridge in Keda District of Ajara

Chvana (Varjanuli) Stone Arch Bridge in Shuakhevi District of Ajara is situated in the village of Chala on the River Kintrishi, 20 km from Kobuleti. Built in the XI-XIII century, the bridge has a semi-oval shape. Coordinates: 41.676167/42.16135

Chvana (Varjanuli) Stone Arch Bridge in Shuakhevi District of Ajara

Temarkofi Bridge in Kobuleti District of Ajara is situated in the village of Khala. Coordinates: 41.702192/41.813775

Temarkofi Bridge in Kobuleti District of Ajara

Arched Bridge of Kobuleti Village in Kobuleti District of Ajara is situated in the village of Kobuleti. Despite its medieval appearance it was actually built in the XIX Century. Coordinates: 41.802547/41.877294

Arched Bridge of Kobuleti Village

Arched Bridge of Kobuleti Village in Kobuleti District of Ajara

Arched Bridge of Kobuleti Village in Kobuleti District of Ajara

Visit the medieval stone bridges of Ajara and step across time!

Photos courtesy of the Cultural Heritage Preservation Agency of Ajara.

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